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When Did “Being Busy” Become a Good Thing?
Why drowning in responsibility has become so praiseworthy.
“How’s work? Busy?” How many times have you been asked this question by well-meaning friends and family?
If you reply, “Slow,” you’re met with a sympathetic look and encouraging words. They say, “Don’t worry. Things will pick up.” If you reply with, “I’m swamped! I can barely keep my head above water!” you’re met with cheers.
Why is being busy good? Why is it great to be drowning, but terrible to be floating about? And is there no other option?
Busy as a reflection of money
If you are busy at work, it means you are so skilled that the company continues to give you responsibility. You are valuable. And value equals money. Money is good. It means food on the table. Let’s ignore the possibility that you’re incompetent and that’s the reason you are so in-over-your-head. Instead, let’s just assume you are a rockstar. Therefore, being busy means being excellent which means a solid bank account.
If your business is slow, it means you are struggling. It means you aren’t making sales, aren’t growing, aren’t putting food on the table. It means you aren’t creating value and are therefore struggling. Ignore the possibility that you are slow…
